William “Bill” Ernest Abernathy

William “Bill” Ernest Abernathy, 83, longtime resident of Columbia, died Tuesday December 17, 2019 at his residence. Born February 28, 1936 in Benton County, Tennessee, he was the son of the late William David Abernathy and the late Tommye Wofford Abernathy. He was a graduate of McEwen High School, attended Middle Tennessee State University, and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he earned his electrical engineering degree. In 1961, he married Leah Cotton Abernathy.  Mr. Abernathy retired from EI Dupont/ Spontex as an electrical engineer.  Over the years, he was involved with junior achievement, spending spare time coaching rec sports for his children. He taught electronics at Columbia State. He had many passionate hobbies, such as off-road motorbiking, flying his Cessna plane, fishing and golfing.He also loved the outdoors and travelling.Relationships were always important to him and his Wednesday lunch dates with his old Spontex coworkers was something he always looked forward to. Most of all, Mr. Abernathy  loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Leah Cotton Abernathy of Columbia, TN; daughter, Lora Leigh Abernathy (Steven Robert) Lape of Franklin, TN; son, William David Abernathy of Columbia, TN; grandchildren, Kristian Daniel (Kelsey) Lape ,Kacie Marie Lape (Joe Henry) Steadman, Robert McLane Lape, Kayla Renee Abernathy, William Brady Abernathy, and Drake Jordon Abernathy; great grandchildren, Lilah Kate Abernathy and Katie Collins Lape; sister, Sarah Abernathy Bell of McEwen, TN; brothers, Johnny (Patsty) Abernathy of Killen, AL; many loving nieces and nephews, Lisa Abernathy (Johnny) Moore, Lori Abernathy (late Dr. Jan) Gorzny, Dr. Valerie Abernathy (Dr. John) Guenst, Veronica Abernathy (Dr. William) Nylander; and loving companions, Saki, Mowgli, Dyna, and River. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Samuel David (Betty Burns) Abernathy; and nephew, Johnny Abernathy, Jr. A private service will be held by the family at a later date in McEwen, Tennessee. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials can be made to the Maury County Animal Shelter, 1233 Mapleash Ave, Columbia, TN 38401. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.